Contractor: Van Doren Ave. Bridge to Open Tuesday

Borough Mayor Nelson Vaughan said the contractor on the bridge over Days Creek has tentatively planned to open the bridge before Tuesday morning when school starts.

The bridge off of Van Doren Avenue, which leads to and the (DPW), partially collapsed during Hurricane Irene.

The collapse left a large sinkhole over 6 ft. deep and 9 ft. long. It also exposed the 14-inch reinforced water supply pipe for Chatham Borough and threatened to cut off the borough's water.

Vaughan engaged to fix the problem, which he called "a matter of public safety" and a necessity in preserving the town's water supply.

On Thursday morning, owner Billy Weichert said Chatham Main Contractors had installed supports for the pipe and diverted the creek around the bridge using a pump. Weichert said they planned to pour cement under the bridge around the pipe that carried the creek under the bridge.

Weichert said he planned to finish the project by Tuesday, Sept. 6, so parents will be able to drop off their children at Chatham Middle School using the bridge when school starts.

Weichert worked closely with Vincent DeNave, the borough engineer, to organize and expedite the project.

"This couldn't have happened if we didn't have an engineer on staff, and a contracting company in town," Vaughan said. "These guys are saving the borough's water supply."